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X. Administration and Constitutional System
District Administration
190. District administration has been implemented in Hong Kong for more than three decades. It has produced positive results, but also leaves much room for further development. I put forward the concept of "addressing district issues at the local level and capitalising on local opportunities". This means that district administration, initiated by the Government, should be complemented by active district participation. It should not be the sole responsibility of the Government. The way forward is to delegate certain work and responsibilities to the District Councils (DCs) so that they can assist in delivering district services and promoting district development.
191. We will actively study how to take forward the present mode of district administration to enhance the functions of DCs, enable DC Members to play a more active role in district affairs, and facilitate the co-ordination of government departments in service delivery at district level by the District Officers. We will amend the legislation as soon as possible to abolish all DC appointed seats from 2016 onwards. Meanwhile, I hope that local communities could manage local affairs with the overall interests of the community in mind. We will organise a summit to explore ways to improve district administration.
192. We plan to provide additional resources to DCs and increase the current provisions for district minor works (DMW) projects. We will also consider enhancing DCs' participation in resolving district issues and managing some district facilities. On top of the provisions for DMW projects and community involvement (CI) programmes, a one-off grant of $100 million for each district, or $1.8 billion in total for all districts, will be earmarked for DCs this year to carry out signature projects in the current term. Moreover, we plan to provide an additional $20.8 million a year for CI programmes to enhance the work of DCs in promoting arts and cultural activities at the district level. We will also review the allowance and expense reimbursement arrangements for DC members as appropriate, including the arrangements of renting premises for ward offices.
193. It has been 12 years since the abolition of the former municipal councils, but the levels of fees and charges for certain municipal facilities and services still vary between the urban areas and New Territories. I have decided to amend the legislation to align these fees and charges. As a first step, where the fee or charge for a facility or service differs between the urban areas and the New Territories, the lower rate will prevail. As a result, government revenue will be reduced by about $70 million annually. As most of the fees and charges for the facilities and services of the LCSD and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have remained unchanged since 2000, I have asked the departments concerned to conduct a comprehensive review of their fee levels and charging policy, and to put forward recommendations to the Financial Secretary as soon as possible.
Constitutional Development
194. Regarding constitutional development, we will promote and achieve the ultimate aim of universal suffrage in accordance with the provisions of the Basic Law and the relevant decisions of the Standing Committee of the NPC.
195. The Government will launch a comprehensive consultation on the election methods of the Chief Executive in 2017 and the Legislative Council in 2016 and initiate the constitutional procedures at an appropriate juncture. We hope that the various sectors of the community and different political parties in the Legislative Council will act in the overall and long-term interests of Hong Kong, respect different views and engage in rational and pragmatic discussions in order to reach a consensus on the way forward for the democratic development of Hong Kong.
The Civil Service
196. Our civil service is an important asset to Hong Kong. Civil servants have been committed to serving the public professionally and effectively, both before and after reunification. In the past six months, the current-term Government has rolled out and implemented many new policies and initiatives. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the civil service for its support and co-ordination efforts. Civil servants are coming under greater pressure in the face of growing public demands. I will honour my pledges in the Manifesto and increase manpower in light of the actual operational needs in the next financial year to cope with the extra work. The Administration also attaches great importance to partnership with the civil service. I will ask the management and staff sides to engage in frequent dialogues and candid exchanges through relevant consultative channels to enhance mutual understanding and mutual trust. In particular, the management should listen to the valuable views and experience of frontline staff in policy execution to facilitate smooth implementation of various initiatives. We will attach greater importance to fostering the learning culture in the civil service and enrich training programmes. We will also boost the innovation and drive of civil servants so that they can better support the Government in serving the public.
Upholding the Core Values of Hong Kong
197. In my inaugural speech, I pledged to the Hong Kong people that I will safeguard the interests of the people, and uphold the core values of Hong Kong, including human rights, rule of law, clean government, freedom and democracy, tolerance of different stances and views, and respect for press freedom. Among them, judicial independence and the rule of law are not only our cherished core values but also the cornerstone of Hong Kong's success. The Government is steadfastly committed to upholding these core values.
XI. Conclusion
198. Mr President, Honourable Members and fellow citizens, I have laid out the current-term Government's and my major governance principles, policies and initiatives. The EDC, FSDC, Long Term Housing Strategy Steering Committee, CoP and Steering Committee on Population Policy, among others, will make proposals to the Government. Once adopted, we will announce and roll them out as soon as ready.
199. Allow me to emphasise two points. First, it is imperative to pursue people's livelihood and the economy in tandem. Improving people's livelihood hinges on economic development. We promote economic development for the purpose of improving people's livelihood, and that in turn will provide a more stable business environment. Second, in pursuing economic development, we must seize the opportunities that come our way. In our drive to improve people's livelihood, we must take timely actions to address the pressing needs of the community. Speedy actions are required on both these fronts.
200. Over the past six months, the current-term Government has delivered on some policies and reaped positive results. Looking forward, my team and I will continue to take on the challenges ahead in a pragmatic and proactive manner. We will work with the Legislative Council and all Hong Kong people with one heart and one vision. Together, we shall build a more prosperous Hong Kong.
Ends/Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Issued at HKT 13:13
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